Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors

 Today, ancient Ephesus lies in ruins. But the destination of Jesus' second message is still the site of a bustling city. About 35 miles north of the ruins of Ephesus is the Turkish city of Izmir, where a zealous congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses is to be found even today. Here, in the first century, was Smyrna. Note, now Jesus' next words: "And to the angle of the congregation in Smyrna write: These are the things that he says, 'the First and the Last,' who became dead and came back to life again." (Revelation 2:8) By stating this to those Christians in Smyrna, Jesus reminds them that he was the first integrity keeper that Jehovah directly resurrected to immortal spirit life and the last to be so raised. Jesus himself would resurrect all other anointed Christians. He is thus well qualified to give counsel to his brothers, who hop to share immortal heavenly life with him.

Next time: Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors

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